Details

With its dark and sardonic wit, documentary footage, spectacular animation, poignant puppetry and superb actors, Ubu and the Truth Commission draws on both the historical archive of the hearings of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission and on the dramatic figure of Ubu Roi, a licentious buffoon created by the playwright Alfred Jarry. Ubu and the Truth Commission was the third in a trilogy of plays that brought William Kentridge and Handspring Puppet Company, who later created War Horse, to worldwide acclaim. Revived to mark the 20th anniversary of democracy in South Africa, this metaphorical tale of marital betrayal affords glimpses into the devastating complexities of apartheid. Poignant testimonies that once formed part of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings are given by characters played by Handspring's puppets.

Cast/Performers

Busi Zokufa (Ma Ubu), Dawid Minnaar (Pa Ubu)

Creatives/Company

Author: Jane Taylor
Producer(s): Edinburgh International Festival, The Taipei Arts Festival, Taipei Culture Foundation, Festival de Marselle_danse et arts multipls, Onassis Cultural Centre, Cal Performances Berkeley, BOZAR Brussels
Company: Handspring Puppet Company
Director: William Kentridge